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1946-1969 - American burger restaurants and street food vendors.
The Smash Burger is a style of hamburger created by pressing a ball of fresh ground beef onto a hot griddle, searing a flavorful crust. Known for its crispy edges and juicy interior, it is a modern American twist on the classic burger.
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Difficulty
Medium
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
8 minutes
Total time
18 minutes
Servings
2 burgers
Region
Ashland, Kentucky Dairy Cheer and Denver fast-casual burger kitchens
Era introduced
1946-1969
Introduced by
American burger restaurants and street food vendors.
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The Smash Burger gained popularity as a distinct burger style in recent decades, emphasizing a quick sear that creates a flavorful crust on the meat by pressing the patty thin on a hot surface. This approach highlights the beef's natural juices and texture differently than traditional thick burgers, appealing to American tastes for fast yet flavorful sandwiches. Often found in contemporary burger joints, it reflects evolving burger culture.
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